West Brom news as Under-21s ‘crash out’ of PL Cup v Reading
West Brom under-21s crashed out of the PL Cup after a 3-0 defeat to Reading on 5 February, although the Baggies were struggling with injuries and limited options, according to Lewis Cox.
The Express & Star journalist detailed that Albion’s youngsters were favourites to progress out of the group stage and needed just one point against a side who were winless in the competition to solidify their place.
Having won the competition just two years ago, and on course to progress with the scoreline still 0-0 at half-time, it was three second-half goals from the visitors that sent them packing.
Writing for the Express & Star [5 February], Cox shared: “Richard Beale’s youngsters entered the Keys Park clash against the visitors from Berkshire – who had not won a game in the competition this term – knowing just a point would guarantee safe passage to the knockout stage of the competition Albion won two seasons ago.
“Albion were second, behind the Blades on goal difference alone, before kick-off but both results saw them miss out on either qualification place and Reading were good value for their victory on an off-night for Albion, who are struggling with limited options, having to take their two central defenders, both in makeshift roles, off at half-time.”
A frustrating result for West Brom
This result will have been painful for the Albion youngsters and boss Richard Beale, with qualification to the next round within reach, but seemingly everything went against them on the night, both with their performance and the result elsewhere.
Carlos Corberan shared before the beginning of the season that he would be willing to use any under-21s players who proved their worth in his first-team, but based on displays this season, those who would have taken the step up, already have.
Former Baggies academy graduates Caleb Taylor and notably Tom Fellows have played their part for the first team this season, showing the pathway is there for any young Baggies who are aiming to make it long-term.
It has been a troubling couple of weeks for the West Brom academy, with this result capping a period in which they have also seen former graduates Morgan Rogers and Lino Sousa, who could be playing at The Hawthorns, join rivals Aston Villa.
In other West Brom news, Andi Weimann shone in his “perfect” moment against Birmingham.
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